Characterization and modification of cavitation pattern in shock wave lithotripsy

Abstract

The temporal and spatial dynamics of cavitation bubble cloud growthand collapse in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) isstudied experimentally. The first objective is obtaining reproduciblecloud patterns experimentally and comparing them withFDTD-calculations. Second, we describe a method to modify thecavitation pattern by timing two consecutive pressure waves atvariable delays. It is found that the spatial and temporal dynamics ofthe cavitation bubble can be varied in large ranges. The ability tocontrol cavitation dynamics allows discussing strategies forimprovement of medical and biological applications of shock waves suchas cell membrane poration and stone fragmentation.